Conductor Terminations

The present disclosure relates generally to improved conductor attachment accessories for aerial conductors.

Conductors are utilized in a variety of environments for carrying electrical current and generally facilitating the transmission of electricity. Conductor attachment accessories are utilized to connect the conductors to other conductors or to other components of the energy transmission assembly such as other conductor connector accessories or the tower. Examples of conductor attachment accessories include terminations (such as dead ends), splices, terminals, repair sleeves, t-taps, t-connectors, jumper connectors, etc.

In many cases, the conductors are installed in relatively high tension. Due to the relatively high tension environments, it is desirable for the connection between a conductor attachment accessory and conductor to be robust, thereby preventing relative movement between the conductor and attachment accessory and/or disconnection of the conductor from the attachment accessory.

Existing conductor attachment accessories, and particularly terminations, require the use of multiple different parts which must be assembled together in order to grip the conductor. Some such existing accessories require tightening of bolts to secure various other components together. Such installations are time-consuming and difficult. Further, in some cases, such installations can be risk-prone if, for example, the bolts are not adequately tightened.

Additionally, some such existing accessories pierce the outer jacket of the conductor being secured, which damages and reduces the usable life of the conductor. Additionally, such damage can potentially lead to environmental impacts such as forest fires.

Accordingly, improved conductor attachment accessories are desired in the art. In particular, improved terminations which reduce the time, complexity, and risk of installation and/or which reduce or eliminate damage to the associated conductor would be advantageous.

Aspects and advantages of the invention in accordance with the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the technology.

In accordance with one embodiment, a conductor termination defines a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, and a transverse axis. The conductor termination includes a body extending along the longitudinal axis, the body including a head and a tail, the head defining a channel and a slot, the channel and slot each extending along the longitudinal axis through a length of the head. The conductor termination further includes a keeper, the keeper defining a channel which extends along the longitudinal axis and including a wing protruding along the lateral axis. The keeper is insertable into the body in a direction along the longitudinal axis away from the tail.

In accordance with another embodiment, a conductor termination defines a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, and a transverse axis. The conductor termination includes a body extending along the longitudinal axis, the body including a head and a tail, the head defining a channel and a slot, the channel and slot each extending along the longitudinal axis through a length of the head. The slot extends along the longitudinal axis at an angle to the longitudinal axis. A surface of the body defining the channel includes a waveform cross-sectional profile along the longitudinal axis. The conductor termination further includes a keeper, the keeper defining a channel which extends along the longitudinal axis and includes a wing protruding along the lateral axis. The wing is insertable into the slot.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the technology and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the technology.

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, each example is provided by way of explanation, rather than limitation of, the technology. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present technology without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed technology. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features in the drawings. Like or similar designations in the drawings and description have been used to refer to like or similar parts of the invention.

As used herein, the terms “first”, “second”, and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms “coupled,” “fixed,” “attached to,” and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attaching, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attaching through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

Terms of approximation, such as “about,” “generally,” “approximately,” or “substantially,” include values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction. For example, “generally vertical” includes directions within ten degrees of vertical in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems are described below with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all the claims.

In general, the present disclosure is directed to improved conductor terminations. Such terminations can be quickly and efficiently installed, and the risks associated with such installations are significantly reduced. Further, the use of such terminations does not require that the outer jacket of the associated conductor be pierced, thus extending the life of the associated conductor. Such advantages are achieved by, for example, the structure and components of the termination, which requires a body and a keeper that is removable connectable to the body. During installation, the keeper is installed in a direction generally towards the conductor and away from the connection of the termination to, for example, a pole, structure, or other suitable connection point. A wedge-or chock-like interaction between the keeper and body causes the grip of the keeper and body to tighten on the conductor as the conductor pulls away from the termination, thus advantageously securing the connection of the termination to the conductor.

1 FIG. 10 100 200 100 Referring now to the drawings,illustrates a conductor terminationconnected between a connection structureand a conductor. The connection structuremay, for example, be a pole (such as a telephone or electrical pole), structural wall or tower, or other suitable structure.

8 FIG. 200 10 200 10 10 Referring briefly to, one embodiment of a conductorwith which a conductor terminationmay be utilized is provided. In exemplary embodiments, conductorswith which conductor terminationsare utilized may be “jacketed” (or “covered”) conductors. In exemplary embodiments, conductors terminationsin accordance with the present disclosure may be utilized with aluminum conductor composite reinforced (“ACCR”) conductors, aluminum conductor composite core (“ACCC”), aluminum conductor steel supported (“ACSS”) conductors. aluminum conductor composite supported (“ACCS”) conductors, aluminum conductor steel reinforced (“ACSR”) conductors, alumoweld (“AW”) conductors, all aluminum conductors (“AAC”), steel ground wire, or other suitable conductors. Conductors having single member cores, or multiple member cores (such as stranded cores) may be utilized. The core materials and outer layer materials may be the same or may be different.

200 202 204 202 206 208 202 206 208 202 200 As shown, in some embodiments, conductormay include a plurality of conductor strandswhich may be arranged as a central core(which may include one, as shown, or more conductor strands) surrounded by one or more generally concentric layers of conductor strands, such as a first layerand a second layer. each of which may include a plurality of conductor strands. The one or more layers,, may in some embodiments have a helical arrangement, with each strandextending helically about a longitudinal axis of the conductor.

202 200 202 202 204 206 208 206 208 202 204 206 208 In exemplary embodiments, the conductor strandsof conductorare formed from one or more metals. For example, in some embodiments, each conductor strandis formed from a steel and/or an aluminum. The conductor strand(s)of the coremay be formed from the same material as the strand(s),of the outer layer(s), or may be formed from a different material from the strand(s),of the outer layer(s). For example, the strand(s)of the coreand/or the strand(s) of the outer layer(s),may be formed from steel, aluminum, aluminum fiber, aluminum reinforced with alumina fibers, carbon or glass fibers in a polymer matrix (such as an epoxy or a thermoplastic), or other suitable material(s).

200 206 208 210 208 212 214 212 214 212 214 In some embodiments, conductormay further include one or more layers surrounding the conductor layers,. Such layers may, for example, be formed of non-conductive materials such as polymers. For example, in some embodiments, a polymer shield layermay be provided on the outermost layerof the conductor layers. Further, one or more jackets (such as two, three, four, or more jackets), such as an inner jacketand an outer jacket, may be provided. Jackets,may be formed from or include suitable polymers. For example, jackets,may be formed from or include polyethylene, such as high density and/or crosslinked polyethylene, or another suitable thermoplastic.

1 FIG. 10 200 100 10 12 14 16 16 12 102 100 10 100 Referring again to, conductor terminationmay connect a conductorand connection structure. The conductor terminationmay include a bodyand a keeper, and may further include a mechanical fastener, such as a bolt, screw, etc. The mechanical fastenermay extend through a tail of the bodyand through a connection pointof the connection structureto connect the conductor terminationto the connection structure.

1 7 FIGS.through 10 10 2 4 6 Referring now to, details of conductor terminationsin accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure are provided. Such details may be discussed with reference to an orthogonal coordinate system in which the terminationdefines a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, and a transverse axis, each of which is orthogonal to the others of such axes.

10 12 12 2 20 22 20 200 22 100 As discussed, a conductor terminationmay include a body. Bodymay extend along the longitudinal axis, and may include a headand a tail. The headmay connect to a conductor, while the tailmay connect to a connection structure.

20 2 20 200 14 20 24 26 2 28 20 24 26 24 6 4 24 4 Headmay, as discussed, extend along the longitudinal axis. Headmay further have a generally U-shaped cross-sectional profile which is shaped to accommodate a conductorand the keeper. For example, headmay define a channeland a slot, each of which extends along the longitudinal axisthrough a lengthof the head. Channelmay have a generally arc-shaped cross-sectional profile. Slotmay be spaced from the channelalong the transverse axis, and may protrude along the lateral axisrelative to the channel, such as in one or both directions along the lateral axis.

26 2 30 2 14 24 2 22 30 14 12 200 30 26 2 30 In some exemplary embodiments, slotmay extend along the longitudinal axisat an angleto the longitudinal axis, such as in an insertion direction of the keepertowards the channelin a direction along the longitudinal axisaway from the tail. Such anglemay advantageously facilitate the wedge- or chock-like interaction of the keeperwith the bodyto secure a conductor. Such anglemay in some embodiments be between 1 degree and 20 degrees, such as between 2 degrees and 15 degrees, such as between 5 degrees and 10 degrees. In alternative embodiments. however, slotmay extend coaxially with longitudinal axissuch that angleis zero.

200 24 32 12 24 32 2 200 24 200 4 FIG. When assembled and installed, a conductormay be disposed in the channel, and may thus contact a surfaceof the bodywhich defines the channel. In some embodiments, such surfaceincludes a waveform cross-sectional profile along the longitudinal axis, as illustrated in. Such profile and resulting contact may secure the conductorin the channelwhile advantageously not requiring that the conductoris pierced.

12 22 20 2 22 22 40 16 10 100 22 42 44 40 16 42 44 20 4 102 42 44 4 100 As discussed, bodymay include a tailwhich extends from the head, such as along the longitudinal axis. Tailin exemplary embodiments is a clevis, as shown. Tailmay further define a connection aperturethrough which mechanical fastenermay be inserted to connect the terminationto a connection structure. Further, in some embodiments, tailmay include a first tail sectionand a second tail section, each of which defines an aperturethrough which the mechanical fasteneris inserted. The first and second tails,may each extend from the head, and may be spaced apart from each other along the lateral axis. In some embodiments, connector pointmay be inserted between the first and second tails,(along the lateral axis) to connect the termination to the connection structure.

14 12 20 10 10 200 14 2 14 200 12 14 54 56 2 58 14 54 56 54 6 4 54 4 As discussed, keepermay be inserted into body, such as the headthereof, to assembly the terminationand connect the terminationto a conductor. The keepermay, when assembled, extend along the longitudinal axis. Keepermay further have a generally U-shaped cross-sectional profile which is shaped to accommodate a conductorand fit within the body. For example, keepermay define a channeland include one or more wings, each of which extends along the longitudinal axisthrough a lengthof the keeper. Channelmay have a generally arc-shaped cross-sectional profile. Wingsmay be spaced from the channelalong the transverse axis, and may protrude along the lateral axisrelative to the channel, such as in one or both directions along the lateral axis.

60 56 6 2 14 22 14 12 200 In some exemplary embodiments, a thicknessof the wings(along the transverse axis) may taper along the longitudinal axis, such as in an insertion direction of the keeperaway from the tail. Such taper may advantageously facilitate the wedge-or chock-like interaction of the keeperwith the bodyto secure a conductor.

14 12 20 2 22 14 12 2 22 56 26 56 26 10 200 200 54 24 200 200 10 Keepermay be insertable into the body, such as into the headthereof, in a direction along the longitudinal axisaway from the tail. In some exemplary embodiments. the keepermay be insertable into the bodyin only a single direction, which is the direction along the longitudinal axisaway from the tail. When being assembled, the wing(s)are insertable into the slot, such that the wings(s)are disposed in the slotwhen the terminationis assembled. When assembled and connected to a conductor, the conductoris disposed in the channelas well as the channel, which together may define a passage through which the conductorextends. The various angles, tapers, and/or cross-sectional profiles as discussed herein may advantageously efficiently, easily, and in a risk-free, reduced damage manner secure the conductorto the termination.

12 14 12 14 16 In exemplary embodiments, the bodyand keeperare formed from suitable metals, such as aluminum. For example, the bodymay be an aluminum (or other suitable metal) casting, and the keepermay be an aluminum (or other suitable metal) extrusion. Mechanical fastenermay also be formed from a suitable metal, such as steel.

Further aspects of the invention are provided by one or more of the following embodiments:

A conductor termination defining a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, and a transverse axis, the conductor termination including a body extending along the longitudinal axis, the body including a head and a tail, the head defining a channel and a slot, the channel and slot each extending along the longitudinal axis through a length of the head; and a keeper, the keeper defining a channel which extends along the longitudinal axis and including a wing protruding along the lateral axis, wherein the keeper is insertable into the body in a direction along the longitudinal axis away from the tail.

A conductor termination defining a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, and a transverse axis, the conductor termination including a body extending along the longitudinal axis, the body including a head and a tail, the head defining a channel and a slot, the channel and slot each extending along the longitudinal axis through a length of the head, wherein the slot extends along the longitudinal axis at an angle to the longitudinal axis, and wherein a surface of the body defining the channel including a waveform cross-sectional profile along the longitudinal axis: and a keeper, the keeper defining a channel which extends along the longitudinal axis and including a wing protruding along the lateral axis, wherein the wing is insertable into the slot.

The conductor termination of any one or more embodiments herein, wherein the keeper is insertable into the body in a direction along the longitudinal axis away from the tail.

The conductor termination of any one or more embodiments herein, wherein the wing is insertable into the slot.

The conductor termination of any one or more embodiments herein. wherein the wing is a plurality of wings, each of the plurality of wings protruding along the lateral axis.

The conductor termination of any one or more embodiments herein, wherein a thickness of the wing along the transverse axis tapers along the longitudinal axis.

The conductor termination of any one or more embodiments herein, wherein the taper is in the insertion direction.

The conductor termination of any one or more embodiments herein, wherein the slot extends along the longitudinal axis at an angle to the longitudinal axis.

The conductor termination of any one or more embodiments herein, wherein the slot extends towards the channel in the insertion direction.

The conductor termination of any one or more embodiments herein, wherein a surface of the body defining the channel comprises a waveform cross-sectional profile along the longitudinal axis.

The conductor termination of any one or more embodiments herein, wherein the tail defines a connection aperture.

The conductor termination of any one or more embodiments herein, wherein the tail comprises a first tail section and a second tail section spaced apart from each other along the lateral axis.

The conductor termination of any one or more embodiments herein, wherein the body and the keeper are formed from aluminum.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.